Method and apparatus for extending service capabilities in a communication network

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method including selecting a solution set of devices from a set of candidate devices connected to a network to provide a service via a virtual device, generating a virtual finite state machine to control execution of the required functions of the virtual device via selected capabilities of each device of the solution set of devices transmitting, to a controller device of the solution set of devices, the virtual finite state machine, wherein execution of the virtual finite state machine by the controller device causes the controller device to control the required functions of the virtual device via the selected capabilities of each device of the solution set of devices, and transmitting, to non-controller devices of the solution set of devices, software data and configuration data, wherein execution of the software data at the non-controller devices according to the configuration data causes the non-controller devices to perform the selected capabilities according to signals sent by the controller device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/270,091, filed on Sep. 20, 2016. The contents of the foregoing ishereby incorporated by reference into this application as if set forthherein in full.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for extendingservice capabilities in communication networks.

BACKGROUND

There is an expanding ecosystem of devices people use to accessapplications and information, or interact with others, and monitor orcontrol processes. This ecosystem goes well beyond desktop, laptop, andtablet computers to encompass the full range of endpoints with whichhumans might interact. Devices are increasingly connected to back-endsystems through various networks, but often operate in isolation fromone another. As technology evolves, we should expect connection modelsto expand, flow into one another and greater cooperative interactionbetween devices to emerge. Cooperative interactions between devices canprovide applications across business, industry, law enforcement,military, health, and consumer markets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1B depicts illustrative embodiments of an exemplary system thatcan be utilized for extending service capabilities of communicationdevices via synthesis of virtual devices for performing a combinatorialservice via combinations of device capabilities;

FIG. 2 depicts illustrative embodiments of control functional blocksthat can be used at component devices selected for inclusion in acombinatorial service for orchestrating a virtual device;

FIG. 3 depicts illustrative embodiments of usage of finite statemachines (FSMs) and inter FSM messaging co-operate to implement thecombinatorial service;

FIGS. 4A-4D depict illustrative embodiments of how the orchestrationprocess inserts FSMs and functional blocks used by the virtual device to

provide the combinatorial services via the selected communicationdevices;

FIGS. 5A-5F depict illustrative embodiments of Directed Acyclic Graphs(DAGs), or shuttles, that can be used to implement orchestrations ofcombinatorial services.

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used in portionsof the systems described in FIGS. 1-3, 4A-4D, and 5A-5D;

FIGS. 7-8 depict illustrative embodiments of communication systems thatprovide media services that can be used by the embargoed content systemof FIGS. 1-3, 4A-4D, and 5A-5D;

FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal forinteracting with the communication systems of FIGS. 1-3, 4A-4D, 5A-5D,and 7-8;

FIG. 10 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device;and

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of acomputer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, maycause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for providing combinatorial services via a communicationnetwork. A communication device can request a service that is beyond itscapabilities. A combinatorial server, or servers, can identifycapabilities of devices connected to the network. A solution set ofdevices can be selected by comparing the capabilities of each device ofthe set of candidate devices with a set of required functions of thevirtual device capable to provide the service. The combinatorial servercan assign capabilities of the selected devices to perform the requiredfunctions of the virtual device, and can generate a virtual finite statemachine to implement the required functions of the virtual device usingthe selected capabilities of the devices of the solution set of devices.The combinatorial server can transmit the virtual finite state machineto a controller device of the solution set of devices, so the controllerdevice can perform high-level control of the virtual device. Theorchestration server can also transmit software data and configurationdata to non-controller devices of the solution set of devices, so thenon-controller devices can perform the selected capabilities asinstructed by the controller device. Other embodiments are described inthe subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a machine-readablestorage medium, including executable instructions that, when executed bya processing system including a processor, facilitate performance ofoperations, including detecting a plurality of devices connected to anetwork to identify a set of candidate devices, and, in turn,determining capabilities for each device of the set of candidate devicesconnected to the network. The operations can also include selecting asolution set of devices from the set of candidate devices to provide aservice via a virtual device by comparing the capabilities of eachdevice of the set of candidate devices with a set of required functionsof the virtual device capable to provide the service. The operations canalso include assigning selected capabilities of each device in thesolution set of devices to perform the required functions of the virtualdevice. The operations can further include generating a virtual finitestate machine for controlling the required functions of the virtualdevice via the selected capabilities of each device of the solution setof devices. The operations can include transmitting, to a controllerdevice of the solution set of devices, the virtual finite state machine.Execution of the virtual finite state machine by the controller devicecauses the controller device to control the performance of the requiredfunctions of the virtual device via the selected capabilities of eachdevice of the solution set of devices. The operations can includetransmitting, to non-controller devices of the solution set of devices,software data and configuration data. Execution of the software data atthe non-controller devices according to the configuration data causesthe non-controller devices to perform the selected capabilitiesaccording to signals from the controller device.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a server,comprising a processing system including a processor and a memory thatstores executable instructions that, when executed by the processingsystem, facilitate performance of operations, including determiningcapabilities for each device of a set of candidate devices connected toa network. The operations can include selecting a solution set ofdevices from the set of candidate devices to provide a service via avirtual device by comparing the capabilities of each device of the setof candidate devices with a set of required functions of the virtualdevice capable to provide the service. The operations can furtherinclude generating a virtual finite state machine for controlling theexecution of the required functions of the virtual device via selectedcapabilities of each device of the solution set of devices. Theoperations can include transmitting, to a controller device of thesolution set of devices, the virtual finite state machine. Execution ofthe virtual finite state machine by the controller device causes thecontroller device to control the required functions of the virtualdevice via the selected capabilities of each device of the solution setof devices. The operations can include transmitting, to non-controllerdevices of the solution set of devices, software data and configurationdata. Execution of the software data at the non-controller devicesaccording to the configuration data causes the non-controller devices toperform the selected capabilities according to signals sent by thecontroller device.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a method includingselecting, by a processing system comprising a processor, a solution setof devices from a set of candidate devices connected to a network toprovide a service via a virtual device. The selecting can based oncomparing capabilities of each device of the set of candidate deviceswith a set of required functions of the virtual device capable toprovide the service. The method can also include generating, by theprocessing system, a virtual finite state machine for controllingexecution of the required functions of the virtual device via selectedcapabilities of each device of the solution set of devices. The methodcan further include transmitting, by the processing system, to acontroller device of the solution set of devices, the virtual finitestate machine. Execution of the virtual finite state machine by thecontroller device causes the controller device to control the executionof the required functions of the virtual device via the selectedcapabilities of each device of the solution set of devices. The methodcan include transmitting, by the processing system, to non-controllerdevices of the solution set of devices, software data and configurationdata. Execution of the software data at the non-controller devicesaccording to the configuration data causes the non-controller devices toperform the selected capabilities according to signals from thecontroller device.

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrative exemplary embodiments of a system that can beutilized for extending service capabilities of communication devices viasynthesis of virtual devices for performing a combinatorial service viacombinations of device capabilities. In one or more embodiments, aCombinatorial Server 130, operating at a network 100, can create sets ofvirtualized resources that combine resources available to a user of thenetwork to create services and capabilities that extent well beyondthose available resources. The Combinatorial Server 130 can select a setof devices to perform a requested service and then generate rules tocontrol behaviors of this set of devices to meet requirements of thisservice. The Combinatorial Server 130 uses network connectivity toorchestrate the creation of a virtual device by pulling togetherindividual devices and capabilities. FIG. 1A illustrates a CombinatorialServer 130 as a “black box” function for performing this orchestrationto generate a virtual device and to provide finite state machines (FSMs)that are instantiated within component devices of the virtual device forcontrolling those component devices during operation of the virtualdevice. FIG. 1B illustrates an example or exemplary embodiment of onearchitecture for performing functions that can be included in aCombinatorial Server 130. The Combinatorial Server 130 can include anyportion of the functional blocks illustrated in FIG. 1B.

In one or more embodiments, and by way of providing exemplary contextfor devices and resources that may be combined to form virtual devicesusing the combinatorial server 130, several aspects and/or features ofan exemplary system 100 can be described. In one embodiment, content canbe routed to an IPTV network, which, in turn can deliver content to agateway device 104. In turn, the gateway device 104 can route content toa media processor device 106, such as a set-top box. In anotherembodiment, a content server can deliver content by an IMS network to amobility network 117. The mobility network 117 can route content to amobile communication device 116, such as a wireless smart phone, via acellular, long term evolution (LTE), third generation (3G), and/orfourth generation (4G) wireless networks. In one embodiment, the mobilecommunication device 116 can route content that is received over themobility network 117 by, for example, a mobile hotspot Wi-Fi linkbetween the mobile communication device 116 and a keyboard device 112 ora media device 108. In another embodiment, a content server can delivercontent over a public IP network, which, in turn, can deliver contentthrough a gateway device 104 to a mobile communication device 116 and/orwireless communication devices 116. Devices 116 that receive mediacontent from an IP network can, in turn, transmit the media content to amedia device 108 via direct connection, such as a USB port, or via awireless connection, such as Wi-Fi. In another embodiment, a contentserver can route content via a virtual private network (VPN) 170.

In one or more embodiments, the system 100 can further includeauthentication functions to insure that media content is distributedonly to verified subscribers of the system 100, and/or media contentsources according to service plan levels of those subscribers. Forexample, the system 100 can verify that media processor device 106 is beproperly identified and validated for receiving media content over thesystem 100. For example, one or more authentication servers can be usedto verify the subscription status of the media processor device 106.Device identifying information, such as MAC address, IP address, and/orSIM card information, can be transmitted to an authentication server. Anauthentication server can use this identifying information from themedia processor device 106 to inquire at a subscriber database ofservice plan information for a subscriber who is associated with thedevice 106. The subscriber database can provide subscription status andservice plan information to allow the authentication server to enabledelivery of purchased media content to the media processor device 106.In one or more embodiments, the media content can be selected based on anumber of techniques and criteria, such as based on user input, userpreferences, user profiles, monitored user viewing history, and soforth.

In one embodiment, a gateway device 104 can function as an interfacebetween an IPTV network and the media processor device 106. In oneembodiment, the gateway device 104 can provide internet workingfunctions, such as protocol translation, impedance matching, data rateconversion, and/or fault isolation necessary for exchanging data betweenthe IPTV network and the home-based media processor device 106. In oneembodiment, a gateway device 104 can provide access to a public IPnetwork via the system 100. The public IP network can facilitatecommunications to Internet-based applications, websites, and databases,such as Social Media sites and Web Databases. This connectivity canallow devices 116 in the system 100 to access and be accessed by thevarious Internet-based applications, websites, and/or databases.

In one or more embodiments, a device 116, such as a mobile communicationdevice 116, can receive content through various network pathways. Forexample, the device 116 can receive content via wireless communicationwith a cellular base station 117 of a mobility network. The device 116can also receive content via wireless communication with gateway device104 coupled to an IPTV network or coupled to an IP network. The devicecan also receive content via wireless connection with a keyboard device112, wireless connection with media device 108, or wireless connectionwith media processor device 106. At any given moment, the mobilecommunication device 116 can receive wireless communication signals frommany cellular sources, local area network sources (e.g., WiFi networks),and/or short range sources (e.g., Bluetooth™).

Target Architecture

In one or more embodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 1B, the system 100can include a target architecture for providing Combinatorial Servicesto one or more devices 116, 106, 108 111, and 112 by combiningfunctional capabilities of these devices to create services. In oneembodiment, the target architecture can be a cloud-based serving system,such as a combinatorial server 130. The combinatorial server 130 can beorganized in various ways and can include one or more of functionalblocks, depending upon particular features of the network. For clarityof illustration, the illustrated combinatorial server 130 can includesome but not necessarily all of the logical or physical relations thatcan make up the combinatorial server 130.

Application Server

In one embodiment, a device, such as a mobile communication device 116,can download a combinatorial application from an application server 140.The application can provide the mobile communication device 116 with aclient application for interfacing with services of the combinatorialserver 130. For example, the client application can allow the device 116to be registered with the combinatorial server 130, associated with aparticular user and location, and/or associated with one or moreadditional devices that can serve as a set of candidate devices forsynthesis of services via combination. In one embodiment, the clientapplication can provide an interface for a user to make a serviceinquiry or request to the combinatorial server 130 and to receiverequests from the combinatorial server 130 for additional informationand/or acceptance or denial of the request. For example, the mobilecommunication device 116 can request a service for assembling a personalcomputer (PC) function from separate devices available to the user (andaccessible to the network). The combinatorial server 130 can respond tothis request by requesting additional information to clarify therequest, to draw out and/or limit specific functional requirements, todetermine preferences for which of the available or candidate device toinclude, exclude, assign to specific tasks, remind the user to turn on,and so forth. The client application can also provide a list ofpreviously constructed service combinations. For example, thecombinatorial server 130 can construct a set of services from devicecombinations that are anticipated to be popular and/or are made up ofdevices that are likely to be commonly available. The combinatorialserver 130 can also provide options for selecting services that the userhas previously selected or that are recommended based on previoussessions or based on information regarding a new device (and, thereforenew device capabilities) that has been acquired by the user.

In one or more embodiments, the client application can facilitateidentification and authentication of the user. The combinatorial servicecan be marketed to the user as a premium service for which asubscription is required. The client application can providesubscription information to the combinatorial server 130 to enable toservice as well as collect appropriate user authentication informationfrom the user (i.e., user name and password) to insure that the onlyauthenticated users are accessing the services. Likewise, theauthentication can insure that accesses to user devices, includingdownload of software and configuration data the temporary takeover ofcontrol of these devices for use in creating services, are performedwith proper permission. In one or more embodiments, the clientapplication can provide user interface for beginning and ending servicesessions and collecting payment for services, if needed.

Registration Server

In one embodiment, the combinatorial server 130 can include aregistration server 135. The registration server 135 can coordinateidentification of component devices (e.g., laptops, tablets, keyboards112, smartphones 106, set top boxes 104, audio systems 111, gameconsoles, etc.,) that are present in the system 100. The registrationserver 135 can receive information regarding a set of candidate devicesfor use in synthesizing services from one or more sources. For example,a user can provide a list of devices to a client application. In oneembodiment, the registration server 135 can access subscriptioninformation associated with the user and/or a device 106 or 116.

Account Profile Database

In one or more embodiments, pre-registration of devices can be performedby the registration server 135 by use of an account profile database145. The account profile database 145 can validates ownership ofcomponent devices eligible for combinatorial services. For example, theregistration server 135 can receive information from a home subscriptionserver (HSS) regarding devices, subscriptions, and/or profiles of theuser that can include lists of devices, capabilities, and/or otherdescriptions that can useful in identifying candidate devices. In one ormore embodiments, devices that are associated with the user can beregistered to the combinatorial server 130 prior to a request for aservice and/or registration can be initiated after a service request isreceived. The account profile database 145 can also drive billing ofservices and/or save personal choices in the context of components,roles, assignments, and so forth, for later reuse.

Registration Server

In one or more embodiments, the registration sever 135 and accountprofile database can provide a list of candidate devices from which thecombinatorial server 130 can select. In one embodiment, these candidatedevices must be capable of, and compatible with, remote control by thecombinatorial server 130. For example, to control a device, such as aremote controller 107, the combinatorial server 130 can load a controlsoftware, in form or a hypervisor, onto the remote controller 107 andcan load configuration data onto the remote controller 107 forinitiation to a preferred state. In this scenario, the remote controller107 must be able to receive and process these software and configurationinputs and must further be able to send and receive messages with thecombinatorial server 130 via the network and perform operations based onthose messages. In addition, the registration sever 135 and accountprovide database 145 can be responsible for determining hypervisoravailability for specific devices and combinations of hardware andsoftware (firmware), as well as capability virtual machine (CVM)capabilities working those hypervisors.

Runtime Components & Billing Database

In one or more embodiments, the combinatorial server 130 can include aruntime components & billing database 155, which can maintainper-session usage and other billing parameters. The runtime components &billing database 155 can track which devices are selected and used bythe combinatorial and/or which network services are used in generatingthe request service. The runtime components & billing database 155 candetermine usage of resources, such as data available in a data plan,on-demand content, subscription-based data, premium services, and soforth. The runtime components & billing database 155 can track billinginformation for these services as applied to the user and/or toparticular devices that are used in the synthesized services. In oneembodiment, the runtime components & billing database 155 can provideinformation to a service design engine 150 regarding availability ofsubscription resources so that the service design engine 150 canconsider subscription plan limits and/or costs when determining whichdevices to select for services and how to assign the capabilities ofthese devices to various functions required by the service.

Server Design Engine

In one or more embodiments, a service design engine 150 can interactwith the user, through the client application operating at a user device116, to present service choices and guide the user through selection ofparticipant devices. The service design engine 150 can also displayterms and/or conditions (including price of service) and can confirmuser acceptance of the proposed service to trigger orchestration. In oneor more embodiments, the service design engine 150 can determine, from aset of candidate devices, one or more solution sets of devices that canprovide a chosen service by collaborative effort as coordinated by thecombinatorial server 130. The service design engine 150 can determinethe solutions sets of devices by comparing the available capabilities ofthe selected devices with a set of required functions that a virtualdevice would need in order to provide the service. If more than onesolution set of the available devices can provide the service, then theservice design engine 150 can further select a best set solution set ofdevices based on selection criteria, such as reducing cost of service orimpact on other services. The service design engine 150 can alsodetermine assignments of the capabilities of the selected devices to therequired functions based on assignment criteria. The service designengine 150 can generate control procedures, such as finite statemachines (FSMs), which can coordinate the collaborative efforts of theselected devices to generate the service. The service design engine 150can provide one or more control procedures to an orchestration server165.

Orchestration Server

In one or more embodiments, the combinatorial server 130 can include anorchestration server 165. The orchestration server 165 can selectsprocedures from databases of past sessions and/or default services. Theorchestration server 165 can load and executes orchestration proceduresand trigger session initiation. The orchestration server 165 can alsoreceive session termination events and trigger de-orchestration of thevirtual device by releasing the selected devices from participation inperforming the service.

Session Engine

In one or more embodiments, the combinatorial server 130 can include asession engine 160. The session engine 160 can collect virtual deviceperformance data and perform monitoring of service performance. Thesession engine 160 can also handles in-session changes of componentdevices and/or component assignments or roles. The session engine 160can signal the orchestration engine 165 when the virtual device of theservice can be de-orchestrated and sends session data to the runtimecomponents and/or to the runtime components & billing database 155.

Generating Virtual Devices

In one or more embodiments, services can be offered to a user that gobeyond the limitations of each of the devices that are registered to theuser. These extended services can be provided by temporarily aggregating(combining) the capabilities of those devices to create a “virtualdevice” that can do the job. Once the service is no longer needed, thetemporary combination can be undone, and the component devices can bereturned to their normal operation. The nature of the capabilitiescombined can be quite general. For example, the virtual device servicecan be synthesized from device capabilities for data storage, currentlyextant device contents, processing/computing resources, high-speednetwork/streaming capability, high resolutions display, high fidelityaudio, and so forth. In one or more embodiments, limitations ofparticular devices in the combination can be overcome and/orcircumvented using appropriate software, device-device connectivity, andorchestration. These limitations are often a consequence ofdevice-specific requirements for portability, cost containment, and soon, that are imposed to make these individual devices via in themarketplace. However, the combinatorial server 130 can pick and choosedevices and device capabilities so as to use the best availableresources that are within the realm of the user.

In one or more embodiments, the virtual devices can be created byaggregating capabilities that improve customer focus and customerbenefits. In one embodiment, pre-canned combinations can be offered tousers and implemented upon user acceptance. In further embodiments,capability combinations can be generated dynamically, based on currentuser preferences and conditions and on ever-changing device availabilityand network capability. As such, a “personal cloud” of virtual devices(and resulting services) can be constructed and maintained to meet theneeds of each user. As the network evolves to acquire near-real-timeintelligent capabilities, the combination server 130 can continuallyimprove its ability to adapt new devices and network capabilities togenerate new services. In addition to individual users (customers), thedynamic nature of the combinatorial server 130 can be used to manage thecapabilities of devices available to a group of customers. Certainservices, such as multi-player games, collaboration tools, and/orflash-mob services, can be developed and tailored based on combining notonly the devices of a single user but also combining devices of multipleusers to generate collaborative services for multiple users.

Exemplary Virtual Devices

Many types of services and combinations of devices can be created by thecombinatorial server 130. For example, the combinatorial server 130 canbe used to assemble a personal computer (PC) functionality from separatehome components. A media processor device 106, such as a processor forreceiving satellite television signals and decoding these signals fordisplay at a media device 108, can be capable of feeding an HDMI signalto a TV set (video, audio). By comparison, these capabilities arenormally beyond those of a smartphone 116. The combinatorial server 130can determine that a user has access to a smartphone 116, a wirelesscapable television 108, a remote controller device 112, and a keyboarddevice 112 that are, in turn, accessible, either directly or indirectly,to combinatorial server 130 via the network. The combinatorial device130 can posit a virtual device capable of at least a subset of PCfunctionality, such as web browsing, reading and/or editing documents,looking at detailed images, enjoying quality music, etc. Thecombinatorial server 130 can compare a set of functional requirementsfor this type of PC device against a set of capabilities available onthe smartphone 116, media device 108, remote controller device 107, andkeyboard 112. The combinatorial server 130 provide control software and,if necessary, configuration data to the set of devices and control thesedevices via the orchestration server 165. The orchestration server 165can use the keyboard 112 as a keyboard, the remote controller 107 as amouse, the media device 108 as a display, and the smartphone as acomputing and network access device to synthesize a type of PC device.

In one or more embodiments, the combinatorial server 130 can synthesizeother useful, virtual devices from combinations of available candidatedevices. For example, a set top box 106 (e.g., a DirecTV™ receiver), oneor more smartphones 116, and a media device 108 can be combined toexecute and display a video game. Other smartphones 116 can be added asinput devices for other players to play the game. In another example,the combinatorial server 130 can synthesize a two-way video conferencingsystem by orchestrating contributions from a media processor device 106,a media device 108, a sound system 111, and a smartphone device 116. Thesmartphone 116 could contribute camera and microphone, while the mediaprocessor device 106 could supply video and audio feeds to alarge-screen, HDMI capable media device 108. In another example, an aidfor a disabled user can be synthesized from a media processor device 106and a smartphone device 116. The media processor device 106 can presentan enlarged phone input/output interface to ease the use of thesmartphone 116 by people who have limited eyesight and/or capacity tosteady their hands and make accurate touches on the smartphone screen.Further examples of collaborative services that can be synthesized by acombinatorial server 130 can include a medical monitoring devicecombining personal monitoring and/or therapy devices (e.g., a heartbeatmonitor) with medical equipment devices (e.g., as found in a medicaloffice), where data can be transferred from the personal monitors to themedical equipment and/or the personal monitors can be calibratedaccording to the medical equipment.

In another example, a universal remote controlling device can besynthesized from various kinds of devices, such as media devices 108(displays), computer devices (PCs), smartphones 116. These universalremote controllers can control applications for display on large screendevices 108, playback music on home stereo units 111, 2-way videoconferences, multi-player games, and so forth. In another example,medical or hospital equipment can be combined via the combinatorialserver 130 to synthesized virtual equipment services in operating rooms,patient rooms, and/or laboratories. Further examples of combinatorialservices include virtual devices synthesized for controls for drones andcomplex robotic tools/weapons, remote vision, human carried equipment,Internet of Things (IoT) device controllers, integration and control ofremote sensors and actuator devices for law enforcement applications,multi-site conferencing for offices, schools, and academia,multi-display, virtual devices for training activities, remote controlof office, laboratory, and/or industrial devices, productadvertising/demonstrations, extending/adding capabilities tosmartphones, vehicles, and homes. Further application of thecombinatorial concepts can create custom devices for capturing threedimensional images (e.g., by combining two or more smartphones 116),creating a synthetic seismograph from accelerometers included insmartphones 116, measuring traffic flow, detecting traffic jams bydetermining timing of smartphone 116 handovers between cell towers,and/or creating a “multi-points of view” experience of an event (e.g., acrowd gathering) by combining audio/video captured from multiple users.

Required Capabilities of the Virtual Device

At any moment, network users are surrounded by various devices that maybe accessible, directly or indirectly, to the network and that are insome way associated sufficiently with the user so as to provide amodicum of user permission for their use in providing a service to theuser. These devices may be laptops, smartphones 116, media processordevices 106 or receivers, car infotainment systems, smart objects,and/or IoT devices. Each of these available devices has a set ofcapabilities. These device capabilities can be inherent to the device'sdesign. Alternatively, the device capabilities can be amenable toconfiguration. A database and/or table can be compiled that lists, forexample, each device, d, and the capabilities of each of these devices,c(d). For example, a media processor device 106 for reception ofsatellite television can have capabilities for receiving digitalsatellite signals, accessing contents from content management serversvia the network, saving multimedia to a large-capacity hard drive,displaying large high resolution images through a big-screen TV 108,and/or playing high fidelity sound through a connected stereo 111. Atthe same time, a mobile phone device 116 may have multimedia contentthat a user would like to play, and/or a directory entry to reachsomeone via a telephone call or text message.

In one or more embodiments, in order to provide any combinatorialservice, S, to a device, a set of capabilities are required for thevirtual device. The set of capabilities can be expressed as {s₁, . . .s_(n)}. Traditionally, a service cannot be implemented unless all thecapabilities exist in a single device. Users attempt to circumvent thesedevice limitations by transporting signals with patch cables (stereo),copying media files from device x to device y (sometimes involvingintermediate media), and so forth. While device services can be extendedin these ways, users face practical limits due to physical constraints.For example, input/output ports must exist and must match availableconnection means, patch cables must have the right connectors and belong enough, must have the right signal encodings/levels for theexpected applications.

If a more complex service, S, is needed, either in a permanent,recurring, and/or and frequent application, then the marketplace mayoffer a range of options for purchasing and/or leasing with a complexdevice or set of devices that are capable of performing the specificservice. For occasional uses, these offers may be inconvenient and/orexpensive options with limited applicability to other uses. As a generalmatter, the term ‘capabilities’ can be understood as relativelyhigh-level functions that are familiar to most customers. For example,capabilities can include display, storage, playback, and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, where a desire for a service is relativelytemporary, the range of commercial services can be expanded bysynthesizing a virtual device out of a number of resources and to offerthis synthesized service to the end user. For any service, S, with agiven set of required capabilities, a combination of devices may—inprinciple—implement S, as long as the aggregate of capabilities contains{s₁, . . . s_(n)}. The synthesized service, S, can be implemented by aseries of processes. First, the service, S, can be designed bydetermining the set of capabilities required {s₁, . . . s_(n)},determining the devices that available for use in the collaborativeeffort, verifying the feasibility of each of the available devices andof a solution set of devices that is selected to achieve the service,and assigning particular capabilities of particular devices toparticular required capabilities of the virtual device.

In one or more embodiments, virtual devices can be generated using aprocess. For any service S with a given set of required capabilities, acombination of devices may—in principle—implement S, as long as theaggregate of capabilities contains {s1, . . . sn}. In pursuit of thesame example we may replace patch cables by software processes andconnectivity, but it must be done in a consumer-friendly way. Toimplement a service S, we need processes to perform:

-   -   Design: Knowing the set of capabilities required {s1, . . . sn}        and the devices available for design, verify feasibility, and        assign components to make up the virtual device. This process        can be decomposed as follows:        -   Detection: List devices available and their capabilities        -   Elimination: Verify capabilities in devices, report to user            (i.e. feasible, conditionally feasible, or unfeasible), and            request user intervention if additional devices are needed            to contribute capabilities to the virtual device        -   Selection: Make a transient aggregate and manage            capabilities to avoid overcommitting a device        -   Assignment: Decide which components will contribute which            capabilities to the virtual device if they overlap    -   Orchestration: Run processes capable of assembling the virtual        device based on chosen components    -   Control: Implementing, in the context of Combinatorial Services        for Component Device Operation and Virtual Device Operation    -   Release: Return devices to their normal (independent) operation        after the service complete        Detecting Available Devices

In one or more embodiments, the goal of the detection process is to listdevices that are available for use in the collaboration and to catalogor list the relevant capabilities of each of these devices. In oneembodiment, the available devices can be detected by trackinginformation associated with device registrations. For example, when amobile phone 116 is turned ON (or leaves a long-term IDLE state), aregistration of the device 116 can be triggered. This registration cangenerate a record of a unique network address and other items that candefine the device's functional capabilities, the network location, andwhich user it is belongs to. In this case, devices are effectivelypreregistered with the registration server 135 before they are needed informing a combinatorial service. The registration server 135 can know aunique physical address (MAC) for an available device and can know thatthe device belongs to subscriber X. If subscriber X requests a servicerequiring collaboration, the service design engine can be informed thata device belonging to subscriber X is available on the network. Thecapabilities of this device can be retrieved from storage in the accountprofile database 145. Alternatively, the combinatorial server 130 cancause the device to report or expose its capabilities by contacting thedevice when this information is needed during synthesis of the service.The device that is registered to the network and can subsequently beassigned to a virtual device service by a selection process.

In one or more embodiments, the available devices can be determinedusing a device discovery protocol that can (typically) propagate onlywithin a local area network (LAN). For example, a multicast Domain NameSystem (mDNS) protocol or a Discovery and Launch (DIAL) protocol can beused to search for available devices on a Wi-Fi network. In oneembodiment, devices can broadcast low-energy/low-range/inconspicuoussignals (e.g., radio, audio, etc.,) that can be received by otherdevices. Reception of these signals can be used to detect the presenceof these devices and, in some cases, identification information. In oneembodiment, devices may be added to a detection list by a servicesprovider. For example, a user may temporarily lease a device, or aservice provider (or a third party) may make a device, such as a devicewith a rare or unique capability, available over the network.Identification and capability information for these devices can bedirectly available to the registration server 135 and/or account profiledatabase 145.

Eliminating Devices

In one or more embodiments, certain devices in the list of availabledevices may be eliminate from use potential selection by thecombinatorial server 130 under certain conditions. Capabilities that arelisted or reported for each device can be verified, and the verificationresults reported to the service design engine 150 and/or the user (i.e.feasible, conditionally feasible, or unfeasible). A user interventionmay be requests for capabilities that are rendered unfeasible due thedevice being turn off or being disconnected from the network.

In one or more embodiments, devices in the list of available device canbe required to satisfy constraints based on the nature of a virtualservice that is being designed and/or due to restrictions imposed by theend user. An available device can be rejected for use in the virtualservice if it fails to satisfy all of the constraints that have beenplaced on the device. If, on the other hand, the device satisfies all ofthe constraints, then the device can be considered a “candidate device”or a member of a set of candidate devices. In one or more embodiments,constraints implicit in the service can include performance, security,bandwidth, and capacity of device, either viewed as standing alone orviewed in the context of the network. The purpose of the constraints isto guarantee the quality of the resulting combinatorial service. Forexample, the service, as a whole, may have to comply with regulationsfor security. If an available device fails to meet a securityrequirement, then this device can be eliminated so that it does notbecome a “weak link” in the chain of security for the final, virtualdevice.

In one or more embodiments, an end user may impose custom constraints ondevices that are eligible to participate in the virtual device. Forexample, a user may specify that devices must meet certain parametersfor ownership, cost, privacy, current workload, convenience, and so on.In this case, the combinatorial server 130 can provide the end user withchoices and explain the consequences of these choices using, forexample, the client application. For example, the client application canpresent a current list of candidate devices and can modify this list asthe user modifies the constraints (e.g., relaxing/removing constraints,or adding/making restraints more strict).

Candidate Device Selection

In one or more embodiments, the service design engine 150 of thecombinatorial server 130 can select a solution set of devices from theset of candidate devices, where this solution set of devices can becapable of performing the desired service when their efforts areproperly orchestrated by the orchestration server 165. In oneembodiment, a Device-Capabilities matrix can be defined to bring thecapability information associated with the set of candidate devicestogether with the capability requirement information associated with thevirtual device of the desired service. The matrix can be an M×N matrixwith candidate devices in the M-rows, and capabilities in the N-columns.In one approach, an element E[p, q] of the M×N matrix can be given thevalue 1 if device p has capability q. If device p does not havecapability q, then the element E[p, q] can be given the value 0. In thisconstruct, the target virtual device has exactly the capabilities neededfor the desired service. A (M+1)×N matrix (a Selection matrix) can beadded to the Device-Capabilities matrix as a row M+1 to describe thetarget virtual device.

Using this approach for each 1 that is present in a row of a candidatedevice M×N matrix, a corresponding 1 can be removed from the virtualdevice row of the (M+1)×N selection matrix by the service design engine150 to indicate that this particular required capability has beencovered by this candidate device. This process is repeated for eachdevice in the set of candidate devices until all of the requiredcapabilities have been filled—as indicated by all of the rows in thevirtual device (M+1)×N selection matrix being cleared to 0. If there areno 1s left in the virtual device row of the (M+1)×N selection matrix,then the service design engine 150 can exit the selection process andconclude that the devices chosen so far constitute a solution set thatis capable of producing the desired service. However, if any is remainin the virtual device row of the (M+1)×N selection matrix, then theservice design engine 150 should continue comparing capabilities ofcandidate devices to the required capabilities. If no candidate devicesremain, then the service design engine 150 can exit the process. The setof candidate devices cannot provide the desired service (i.e., theproblem has no solution).

In one or more embodiments, previously-constructed virtual devices canbe include in set of candidate devices that are processed via theDevice-Capability matrix. That is, once a virtual device is constructedby the service design engine 150 (or imported into the combinatorialserver 130 as a “known solution set),” then this solution set of devicescan be used to seed the Device-Capability matrix with a solution to thedesired service. In another embodiment, the virtual device can besynthesized from other virtual devices. So, for example, if a desiredservice, S, can be broken down into two sub-services, S₁ and S₂, suchthat S=S₁+S₂. If S₁ and S₂ are, themselves, known virtual devices thatcan be constructed from known and non-overlapping solution sets, thenthe service design engine 150 can conclude that the desired service Scan simply be synthesized by synthesizing S₁ and S₂ and then connectingthese virtual devices as required to produce S. Re-selecting candidatedevices can be used as a strategy for optimizing ongoing combinatorialservices. However, in one or more embodiments, to enable multipleconcurrent combinatorial services while avoiding duplicate commitments,the list of solutions sets and device capabilities selected and assignedto current virtual devices can be maintained across several servicedesigns.

Candidate Device Selection Policies

In one or more embodiments, the selection of the solutions set ofdevices from the set of candidate devices can be performed in a numberof other ways. In one embodiment, appealing combinations of solutionssets of devices can be determined, and, then, the user can be presentedwith a price or cost for using this solution set of devices to achievethe service. Alternatively, the user can presented with the price orcost for using a particular device or a particular network service inthe solution set. The user can then choose from the available solutionset options as one might choose among a set of airline flightitineraries. In one or more embodiments, the service design engine 130can produce solution sets with “appealing” combinations by using one ormore selection policies.

In one or more embodiments, the service design engine 150 can compareeach candidate device j with the target virtual device (row M+1). Theservice design engine 150 can then choose the candidate device x withthe lowest distance d(x,y) to the virtual device y. The service designengine 150 can then update the virtual device row (removing thecapabilities provided by x) and try again. This selection policy canyield a smallest possible selection (lowest number of components) forthe solution set of devices. In this case, the rows (candidate devices)in the Device-Capabilities matrix are vectors with components that areeither 0 (the device does not have the capability) or 1 (it does). Thedistance d(x,y) can be defined between vectors x and y as a count of allthe columns in which they differ. For example,

If x=(0,1,1,0,1,1) and y=(0,0,1,1,1,), then d(x,y)=2.

In one or more embodiments, the service design engine 150 can sortcandidate devices x1, . . . xM according to their frequency of use, andcan first use in the solution set those that are less frequently engagedby the customer. This policy can minimizes inconvenience to the end userfor the resulting solution set of devices by minimizing occurrences,where the user temporarily loses control over the devices in thesolution set.

In one or more embodiments, the service design engine 150 can associatedevice-specific costs with each candidate device that is chosen. Theservice design engine 150 can then assign the candidate devices torequired functions of the virtual device, where the low-cost devices areassigned first and the higher-cost devices are assigned later. Thisselection policy can result in lower cost solution sets of devices.

In one or more embodiments, the service design engine 150 can attempt tomaximize the list of capabilities remaining in the matrix after thefinal device in the solution set of devices has been chosen (e.g.,choose device x with lowest number of 1's in its row, thus maximizingthe potential for further services from the remaining candidate device).This selection policy can maximize spare capabilities for additionalservices.

In one or more embodiments, the service design engine 150 can seek tominimize the data rate of streams and/or data transfer volumes necessaryfor the capabilities that are selected from the candidate devices and/orfor the aggregate service that is synthesized by the service designengine 150. This selection policy can minimize movement of data.

In one or more embodiments, the service design engine 150 can selectdevices for the solution set of devices so as to include devices near adesired location or dedicated to a desired purpose.

In one or more embodiments, the service design engine 150 can weightselections of the devices for the solution set of devices according to aweighting policy. For example, certain combinations of devices can beweighted higher or lower depending upon how desirable the combination isor is not. I

Assigning Devices to Roles

In one or more embodiments, if more than one device in the solution setof devices includes a capability that lines up with a requiredcapability of the virtual device, then the service design engine 150 candecide which components will contribute which capabilities to thevirtual device. Once a candidate device has been chosen for inclusion inthe solution set of devices, then the candidate device becomes acomponent of the virtual device. However, if more than one componentdevice can provide the same required capabilities, then the servicedesign engine 150 will need to choose between these options in aprocesses called assignment. For example, a solution set for a virtualdevice may include three components that are capable of sound—anexpensive and very powerful stationary stereo system in the user'sliving room, a smartphone which can provide sound via stereo earplugs,and an HDMI TV set, capable of (admittedly limited) stereo sound. Theservice design engine 150 can make this assignment choice based on anassignment policy. The assignment policy can include criteria for makingthe decision. For example, the decision can be driven by functionalfactors, such as sound accuracy or power (e.g., for a classical musiclistening service), weight (portability), privacy, location, and soforth. Where the service design engine 150 faces an assignment choice,it may also allow the user to decide. For example, the service designengine 150 can recommend an assignment based on the assignment policybut allow the user to make the final choice among the components thatcan provide the capability.

In one or more embodiments, each component may contribute to the virtualdevice a subset of that component's capabilities as selected and/orassigned by the service design engine 150. The assignment can beconsidered the role of the component in the solution set of devices forwhich it has already been selected. Rules for selection:

-   -   If each capability in the virtual device is provided by exactly        one component (e.g., a virtual device requiring four        capabilities is constructed by inclusion of four different        devices, each fulfilling one role), then the roles are        straightforward. Each component is responsible for all those        capabilities for which it is the only contributor.    -   However, if more than one options is present in the solution set        of devices for any of the required functions, then the system        can apply an assignment policy and/or can interact with the        user. The user can be presented with a list of functional        differences and can be allow to make choices, or can accept        recommended or default choices based on the assignment policy,        personal history, cost, etc.        Orchestration

In one or more embodiments, the orchestration server 165 of thecombinatorial server 130 can orchestrate the performance of processesacross the solution set of devices in the virtual device to set up theservice. Orchestration is running processes capable of assembling thevirtual device, based on the chosen components. After design iscomplete, a virtual device for performing the combinatorial service canbe made from a set of components that have been selected and assignedspecific (capability) contributions. This virtual device will have allthe necessary capabilities and behavior to provide the service. Duringorchestration, the orchestration server provides the component deviceswith the necessary software, configuration and state so that eachcomponent can contribute its capabilities to the combinatorial serviceunder control so the virtual device can function properly.

In one or more embodiments, an orchestration library can be includedwith the combinatorial server 130. The orchestration library can be adatabase including multiple instances of Capabilities, CombinatorialServices, Orchestration Procedures, Operations, Capability VirtualMachines, and Hypervisors, along with relations between these entities.Capabilities can be susceptible to description but otherwise function asdesign primitives. Combinatorial Services can be described in terms of aset of capabilities, a virtual device FSM, and an orchestrationprocedure. Orchestration Procedures can be described by a set ofoperations that must be performed, a shuttle describing the precedencerelations among the operations, and a maximum rank. Operations may beidentified as simple (associated to an agent capable of directlyexecuting them) or complex (that can be mapped to another orchestrationprocedure). Capability Virtual Machines can be associated withcapabilities, but must specify both Capability FSMs and CapabilityImplementation modules. Hypervisors can be type 2 (or hostedhypervisors), but must specify hardware/software required and a list ofthe capabilities supported.

Control of Components Operating in Virtual Device

FIG. 2 depicts illustrative embodiments of control functional blocksthat can be used at component devices selected for inclusion in acombinatorial service implemented (or represented) by a virtual device.In one or more embodiments, each component 200 of the combinatorialdevice can execute software in the form of a Virtual Capability Machines(VCM) 220. The VCM 220 can access the capabilities of the component thatit is contributing. In one embodiment, a type 2 hypervisor 250 can runatop an operating system (OS) at the component. The hypervisor 250 canhandle functions common to each of the VCMs 220 operating at each of theselected components. In one embodiment, the hypervisor 250 can handlefunctions for hardware abstraction 270, orchestration engine partnering255, and messaging 260 with other capability finite state machines(FSMs) 230, where each FSM can act as a model of computation. In oneembodiment, the component device 200 can be a virtual device that,itself, is built from physical component devices.

In one or more embodiments, the capability FSM 230 can receive signalsthat trigger state changes to control the capability of the component.The capability FSM 230 can be controlled by messages that the componentreceives from a virtual device FSM hosted in the controlling device. Inone embodiment, the hardware abstraction module 270 can be the onlyfunction that is component-specific. In one embodiment, the VCM 220 canrun on top of the hypervisor 250. In one embodiment, the capabilityimplementation module 240 can respond to changes of state of theCapability FSM 230 in the VCM 220.

Control of Virtual Device Operation

FIG. 3 depicts illustrative embodiments of usage of finite statemachines (FSMs) and inter FSM messaging that can be used at the virtualdevice and component devices to control the operation of thecombinatorial service. In one or more embodiments, the virtual devicecan include a controlling device. The controlling device is a componentthat implements a Capability Virtual Machine (CVM) that describes thevirtual device behavior as a whole. In one embodiment, there can only beone active controlling device at each point in time, but there may bemore than one active controlling device during the life of acombinatorial service. In one or more embodiments, the virtual device300 can be operational (ready to begin performing its service) when aCVM that describes the operation of the virtual device is active in acontrolling device. The FSM of this CVM (the CVM of the controllingdevice) can be called the Virtual Device FSM 310. The Virtual Device CVM310 can present the user with a control interface (e.g., screeninterface, voice interface, brain-computer interface, etc.,) consistentwith the operation of the Virtual Device FSM 310. The CapabilityImplementation module in the controlling device can then send messagesto the component device capability FSMs 320A-N. The messages can be sentvia the CVMs of the component device capability FSMs 320A-N, whereverthey are.

In one or more embodiments, each of the capability FSMs 320A-N can beginthe sequence in a known initial state, so that the devices arepredictable and controllable. In one embodiment, communication protocolsbetween all of the devices in the solution set of device can provide forreliable message transmissions (e.g., retransmissions, ACKs, etc.,)between the devices. Since each capability of each device is controlledvia messages from the virtual device FSM 310, the operation of thevirtual device can be seen in terms of messaging interactions betweenthe Capability FSM 310 in the controlling device, and the CapabilityFSMs 320A-N in the component devices.

Release of Components from Virtual Device

In one or more embodiments, when the combinatorial service is completed,then the virtual device can be dismissed. At this point, the componentdevices of the solution set of devices can be released from their rolesand returned to normal operation. For practical reasons, the releaseprocess can be carried out in several steps. First, the end user candismiss (via the controlling device) the virtual device. This dismissalcan cause the virtual device to send a signal to external systems thattrigger other actions. During the release process, the orchestrationprocess used when instantiating the Virtual Device is “reversed.” Thereversal of the orchestration procedure can cause performance ofoperations in a sequence-reversed order to undo what was done in thestartup sequence for the virtual device. For example, the reversedoperations can disconnect streams, can shut down CVMs in the componentdevices, and can remove component storage no longer needed for softwareor configuration. The “reversed” process can, itself, be in the form ofan orchestration but with a different goal.

Orchestration a Virtual Device

FIGS. 4A-4D depict illustrative embodiments of how the orchestrationprocess inserts FSMs and other functional blocks used by the virtualdevice to control the combinatorial services via the selectedcommunication devices. This section discusses orchestration of acombinatorial service: there is a set of component devices, each ofwhich can contribute some (software defined) capabilities to provide aservice. This service can be represented by a “virtual device” that hasthe necessary attributes and behavior (described by a Finite StateMachine) and that can be controlled from one of the components, known asthe “control device.” The virtual device can be operational when:

-   -   A CVM describing the operation of the virtual device is        implemented in the controlling device, where FSM is the “Virtual        Device FSM;”    -   The CVM presents the user with a control interface (e.g, screen,        voice, BCI, etc.,) consistent with operation of the Virtual        Device FSM;    -   The Capability Implementation module in the controlling device        sends messages to other Capability FSMs (via their CVMs);    -   Each of the Capability FSMs starts out in a known initial state,        so that the devices are controllable; and    -   Communication between all devices supports reliable message        transmissions.        Orchestration Planning

In one or more embodiments, before orchestration can begin, anorchestration plan is needed. The orchestration plan can be created bythe combinatorial server by determining the characteristics andcapabilities of the virtual device to be assembled (e.g., its FSM andassociated capabilities), a list of component devices and their IPaddresses, and a list of which capabilities each component devicecontributes to the virtual device aggregation. The aggregation can beviewed as a set of capabilities attached to the solution set of devicesas:

-   -   (capability1, device1 make/model, IP address of device1);    -   (capability2, device1 make/model, IP address of device2);    -   . . .    -   (capabilityN, deviceN make/model, IP address of deviceN).        Referring now to FIG. 4A, in one embodiment, two capabilities        can have the same physical device and IP address where the same        component contributes more than one capability to the combined        service. An orchestration diagram 400 can describe in graphical        form, how the virtual device can be made “ready to run”. In this        diagram 400, each branch between the Start 410 and the End 450        corresponds to, or “touches,” one component. In one embodiment,        each triplet of of the orchestration plan describes what needs        to happen with each of the corresponding components to initiate        the component and, in turn, initiate the virtual device.        Start of Orchestration

Referring now to FIG. 4B, before modifying the behavior of othercomponent devices, one controlling device 460 for the virtual devicemust be readied. The operation can be labeled “Start” 410. The Startstate 410 can be responsible for preparing the controlling device 460.In one or more embodiments, the controlling device 460 can be preparedby:

-   -   backing up the controlling device 460 status to a session        manager (cloud),    -   downloading the virtual device VCM 220 (including the virtual        device FSM) to the controlling device 460,    -   starting a control interface appropriate to the state machine of        the virtual device, and    -   signaling (using the control interface) the end user the device        is being orchestrated.        Per Component Orchestration

Referring now to FIG. 4C, each of the other component devices 470 canreceive software and configuration data it needs to implement the itsset of capabilities, and to behave (executing the correspondingCapability FSMs) as expected for as long as it is part of the virtualdevice. In one or more embodiments, the orchestration for thenon-controlling component devices 470 can include:

-   -   saving a current state of the component device 470 (to restore        after the virtual service is complete),    -   downloading and installing VCM software 220 and configuration        data in the component device 470, for each capability assigned        to that device (role),    -   starting the VCMs 229 in the component device 470,    -   signaling to the orchestration engine that the component device        470 is ready, and    -   reporting metadata (stream endpoints, formats, etc.,).        End of Orchestration

In one or more embodiments, once each component device 460 and 470 isready to contribute to the combinatorial service, the virtual device canbe started. At the End operation 450, the virtual device can be startedby (1) implementing global behavior means, (2) receiving at theorchestration engine the metadata reported by the component devices, (3)setting up data transfers and status while connecting data streamendpoints in various devices, and signaling to the end user that thevirtual device is ready. See FIG. 4D as an example.

Orchestration and Graphs

FIGS. 5A-5F depict illustrative embodiments of Directed Acyclic Graphs(DAGs), or shuttles, that can be used to implement the FSMs at thevirtual device or the selected communication devices for orchestrationsof the combinatorial services via the selected communication devices.Shuttles may be used by the orchestration engine to handle reversals,optimization, and recursion. An operation can be a set of steps executedby a server, a component device, or some other node in a distributedsystem. If the execution of operation A must complete before startingthe execution of operation B, then a directed arc can be drawn startingat operation A (which is a predecessor of operation B), with an arrowpointing at operation B (which is a successor of operation A).Orchestration may require multiple operations ordered by relations ofprecedence, but having no repetitions. This requirement can lead to twoimportant consequences:

-   -   The process can be described by graphs where nodes represent the        steps that must be taken and edges that indicate the necessary        precedence between the steps. These are called directed graphs.    -   An orchestration's graph may contains no loops, which can make        execution deterministic (i.e., it ends after completing at most        N steps) as opposed to a general program. Directed graphs with        no loops are called Directed Acyclic Graphs or DAGs.        Special DAGs: Shuttles

Referring now to FIG. 5A, in one or more embodiments, an operation canbe a set of steps executed by a server, a component device, or someother node in the distributed system. In the Directed Acyclic Graph 520,the operations start at one starting operation 505 (that precedes allothers), proceeds through a more or less fat middle, and then ends atone ending operation 515 (that is the successor of all others). The DAGgraphs 520 can be called “shuttles”—to stress the similarity with theshape of the device used in weaving to carry the weft (sometimes called‘woof’). Any DAG 520 (or collection of DAGs) can be turned into ashuttle.

In one or more embodiment, actual orchestrations can include steps suchas:

-   -   downloading/installing software and data in the component        devices,    -   starting one or more processes in the component devices,    -   associated to the capabilities for which each device will be        responsible opening connections between device endpoints,    -   setting up data transfers and status in component devices.    -   starting the flow of data streams between components, and    -   implementing a control interface for the virtual device.        Orchestration operations can be reversible (i.e., for each        operation X, another operation X′ called inverse exists,        achieving an opposite effect). Orchestration operations can        expand the set of orchestration operations to include a “no-op”        (clearly reversible). Shuttles can describe the kind of        orchestration activities that must take place to set up virtual        devices.        Edge Reversal

Referring to FIG. 5B, if the direction of an edge between two nodesindicates the order that corresponding operations must be done, then itcan be of interest to examine what happens when the direction isreversed. Starting with a DAG 520 and reversing every edge produces yetanother DAG 525. In the case of a shuttle 520, the resulting graph isalso a shuttle 525, with the start and end nodes interchanged. If theoriginal shuttle 520 represented an orchestration, in the edge-reversedgraph each operation can be replaced by its inverse. Edge-reversedorchestrations describe well the orchestration needed to release thevirtual device and undo all that was done before. Reversibility providesyet another reason why these are called shuttles—they operate (describeorchestrations) in either direction.

Parallel/Serial Execution of Shuttles

Referring now to FIGS. 5C and 5D, under some circumstances, a design mayhave to choose between higher speed and more resources in use, or lowerspeed and less resources. Two shuttles 530 and 535 may be combined inparallel as in FIG. 5C. The directed acyclic graph that results is alsoa shuttle. If nodes represent operations, the parallel graph can beexecuted in a total time equal to the maximum of the execution of eitherof the parallel shuttles 530 and 535. If resources for the two shuttles530 and 535 come from a common repository, then the parallel executionin the combined shuttle may cause demand for resources to become the sumof resources required by each of the shuttles. In FIG. 5D, thecombination of two shuttles 530 and 535 in such a way that all actionsassociated to one shuttle precede all actions associated with the othershuttle, produces an execution graph that is also a shuttle. Serialexecution never demands resources greater than the maximum of thoserequired by one of the shuttles. Execution time, though, is the sum ofthe times it takes to execute each of the shuttles.

Node Substitution in a Shuttle

Referring now to FIG. 5E, two shuttles 530 and 535 can be combined togenerate a new shuttle 540 that performs the combined functions buteither neither a mere serial combination nor a mere parallelcombination. In one embodiment, the combined shuttle 540 consists ofreplacing a single node X in a shuttle S1 530 with a whole other shuttleS2 535, according to the following rules: (1) create a shuttle S3 540,whose vertices are a union of those for shuttles S1 530 (except X) andS2 535, with edges in S1 U S2, except for those edges that have X at oneof their endpoints; (2) for each edge (A, X) with A in S1 530, add anedge (A, I2) in S3 540, where I2 is the initial node for S2; and (3) foreach edge (X, B) with B in S1 530, add an edge (E2, B) in S3 540, whereE2 is the end node for S2 535. The resulting graph is a shuttle 540, inwhich all precedence relations previously present in S1, S2 have beenpreserved.

Execution of Shuttles: Rank

Referring now to FIG. 5F, nodes in a shuttle can be labeled by the“longest distance” (in number of edges traversed) along some path fromthe initial node, to the current one. This value is the rank of thenode. Any order of execution in which all operations with a given rankare carried out before any operation with a higher rank is attempted, isconsistent with the constraints represented by the edges in the originalshuttle. In other words, for execution purposes, it is sufficient toassociate an integer value (the rank) to the nodes and execute nodesaccording to this value, rather than checking the edges every time. Thisallows for creating a scheduler that allows for optimal parallelizationof a shuttle, with minimal runtime complexity.

Orchestration Operation

In one or more embodiments, the orchestration server 165 can perform anumber of functions in orchestrating the service, including:

-   -   1. Receive a request from the service design engine indicating        that an orchestration of a procedure P should start.    -   2. Retrieve a procedure P from an orchestration library (e.g., a        database of orchestration procedures).    -   3. Instantiate a copy of the orchestration engine at a physical        component device to cause execution of operations in procedure        P, in the order of their rank (0, 1, 2, . . . ).    -   4. Within each rank, fire off execution of each operation in        parallel, where:        -   a. For simple operations (e.g., operations directly            executable by some agent), the orchestration server 165 can            ask the agent to execute them. If the agent is a specific            orchestration partnering module, then the orchestration            server can communicate with the corresponding component            device to trigger the execution and report status.        -   b. React to exceptions (e.g., resetting, informing the            service design engine 150 that orchestration failed).        -   c. For a complex operation Q, the orchestration server 165            can push the simple procedure P engine into a stack, and            then retrieve 2 to retrieve the complex operation Q.        -   d. For anti-root (no-op) operations, the orchestration            engine 165 can pop the procedure P engine from the stack and            then can continue executing the engine at the top of the            stack. If the stack is empty, the orchestration server 165            can notify the user (via the controller device) and the            session engine 160 that the device is ready to run.

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used in portionsof the systems described in FIGS. 1-3, 4A-4D, and 5A-5D. In step 604,the combinatorial server can receive a request from a communicationdevice (CD) connected to network for service beyond capability of theCD. In step 606, the combinatorial server can determine requiredfunctions of a virtual device capable of performing the requestedservice. In step 608, the combinatorial server can detect other devicesconnected to network and associated with the CD. In step 612, thecombinatorial server can determine capabilities of the CD and otherassociated devices. In step 616, the combinatorial server can comparecapabilities of the CD and other devices to required functions ofvirtual device to select solution set of devices capable of providingthe service.

In step 620, the combinatorial server can determine if a solution set ofdevices for performing the required functions of the virtual deviceexists. If it does not exist, then, in step 624, the combinatorialserver reports to the CD that the service cannot be generated. If it thesolution set does exist, then, in step 628, the combinatorial serverdetermines if there are multiple solution sets. If there are, then, instep 630, the combinatorial server can select a best the solution setbased on a selection policy. If there is only one solution set, then, instep 634, the combinatorial server can generate a virtual finite statemachine (FSM) for orchestrating performance of required functions of thevirtual device via selected capabilities of devices of the solution set.In step 636, the combinatorial server can generate software data andconfiguration data for devices of the solution set of devices. In steps640 and 644, the combinatorial server can transmit the virtual FSM to acontroller device and the software data and configuration data tonon-controller devices of the solution set of devices.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 3, it isto be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is notlimited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first communicationsystem 700 for delivering media content. The communication system 700can represent an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media system.Communication system 700 can be overlaid or operably coupled with system100 of FIG. as another representative embodiment of communication system700. For instance, one or more devices illustrated in the communicationsystem 700 of FIG. 7 for generating a combinatorial service via avirtual device using capabilities of several devices.

The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office (SHO) 710 withat least one super headend office server (SHS) 711 which receives mediacontent from satellite and/or terrestrial communication systems. In thepresent context, media content can represent, for example, audiocontent, moving image content such as 2D or 3D videos, video games,virtual reality content, still image content, and combinations thereof.The SHS server 711 can forward packets associated with the media contentto one or more video head-end servers (VHS) 714 via a network of videohead-end offices (VHO) 712 according to a multicast communicationprotocol.

The VHS 714 can distribute multimedia broadcast content via an accessnetwork 718 to commercial and/or residential buildings 702 housing agateway 704 (such as a residential or commercial gateway). The accessnetwork 718 can represent a group of digital subscriber line accessmultiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a service areainterface that provide broadband services over fiber optical links orcopper twisted pairs 719 to buildings 702. The gateway 704 can usecommunication technology to distribute broadcast signals to mediaprocessors 706 such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn presentbroadcast channels to media devices 708 such as computers or televisionsets managed in some instances by a media controller 707 (such as aninfrared or RF remote controller).

The gateway 704, the media processors 706, and media devices 708 canutilize tethered communication technologies (such as coaxial, powerlineor phone line wiring) or can operate over a wireless access protocolsuch as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, or other presentor next generation local or personal area wireless network technologies.By way of these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invokedbetween the media processors 706 and subsystems of the IPTV media systemfor services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronicprogramming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.

A satellite broadcast television system 729 can be used in the mediasystem of FIG. 7. The satellite broadcast television system can beoverlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system as anotherrepresentative embodiment of communication system 700. In thisembodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 715 that include mediacontent can be received by a satellite dish receiver 731 coupled to thebuilding 702. Modulated signals received by the satellite dish receiver731 can be transferred to the media processors 706 for demodulating,decoding, encoding, and/or distributing broadcast channels to the mediadevices 708. The media processors 706 can be equipped with a broadbandport to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network 732 to enableinteractive services such as VoD and EPG as described above.

In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable broadcastdistribution system such as cable TV system 733 can be overlaid,operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or the satelliteTV system as another representative embodiment of communication system700. In this embodiment, the cable TV system 733 can also provideInternet, telephony, and interactive media services. System 700 enablesvarious types of interactive television and/or services including IPTV,cable and/or satellite.

The subject disclosure can apply to other present or next generationover-the-air and/or landline media content services system.

Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled toone or more computing devices 730, a portion of which can operate as aweb server for providing web portal services over the ISP network 732 towireline media devices 708 or wireless communication devices 716.

Communication system 700 can also provide for all or a portion of thecomputing devices 730 to function as a combinatorial server 730. Thecombinatorial server 730 can use computing and communication technologyto perform function 762, which can include among other things, <themethod for generating a combinatorial service using a virtual devicemade up of several devices as described by method 600 of FIG. 6. Forinstance, function 762 of server 730 can be similar to the functionsdescribed for the combinatorial server 130 of FIG. 1 in accordance withmethod 600. The media processors 706 and wireless communication devices716 can be provisioned with software functions 764 and 766,respectively, to utilize the services of combinatorial server 730. Forinstance, functions 764 and 766 of media processors 706 and wirelesscommunication devices 716 can be similar to the functions described forthe communication devices 106 and 116 of FIG. 1 in accordance withmethod 600 of FIG. 6.

Multiple forms of media services can be offered to media devices overlandline technologies such as those described above. Additionally, mediaservices can be offered to media devices by way of a wireless accessbase station 717 operating according to common wireless access protocolssuch as Global System for Mobile or GSM, Code Division Multiple Accessor CDMA, Time Division Multiple Access or TDMA, Universal MobileTelecommunications or UMTS, World interoperability for Microwave orWiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, Long Term Evolution or LTE, and soon. Other present and next generation wide area wireless access networktechnologies can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system 800employing an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture tofacilitate the combined services of circuit-switched and packet-switchedsystems. Communication system 800 can be overlaid or operably coupledwith system 100 of FIG. 1 and communication system 700 as anotherrepresentative embodiment of communication system 700 for providing acombinatorial service via a virtual device made up of several devices.

Communication system 800 can comprise a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)840, a tElephone NUmber Mapping (ENUM) server 830, and other networkelements of an IMS network 850. The IMS network 850 can establishcommunications between IMS-compliant communication devices (CDs) 801,802, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) CDs 803, 805, andcombinations thereof by way of a Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF)820 coupled to a PSTN network 860. The MGCF 820 need not be used when acommunication session involves IMS CD to IMS CD communications. Acommunication session involving at least one PSTN CD may utilize theMGCF 820.

IMS CDs 801, 802 can register with the IMS network 850 by contacting aProxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) which communicates with aninterrogating CSCF (I-CSCF), which in turn, communicates with a ServingCSCF (S-CSCF) to register the CDs with the HSS 840. To initiate acommunication session between CDs, an originating IMS CD 801 can submita Session Initiation Protocol (SIP INVITE) message to an originatingP-CSCF 804 which communicates with a corresponding originating S-CSCF806. The originating S-CSCF 806 can submit the SIP INVITE message to oneor more application servers (ASs) 817 that can provide a variety ofservices to IMS subscribers.

For example, the application servers 817 can be used to performoriginating call feature treatment functions on the calling party numberreceived by the originating S-CSCF 806 in the SIP INVITE message.Originating treatment functions can include determining whether thecalling party number has international calling services, call IDblocking, calling name blocking, 7-digit dialing, and/or is requestingspecial telephony features (e.g., *72 forward calls, *73 cancel callforwarding, *67 for caller ID blocking, and so on). Based on initialfilter criteria (iFCs) in a subscriber profile associated with a CD, oneor more application servers may be invoked to provide various calloriginating feature services.

Additionally, the originating S-CSCF 806 can submit queries to the ENUMsystem 830 to translate an E.164 telephone number in the SIP INVITEmessage to a SIP Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) if the terminatingcommunication device is IMS-compliant. The SIP URI can be used by anInterrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) 807 to submit a query to the HSS 840 toidentify a terminating S-CSCF 814 associated with a terminating IMS CDsuch as reference 802. Once identified, the I-CSCF 807 can submit theSIP INVITE message to the terminating S-CSCF 814. The terminating S-CSCF814 can then identify a terminating P-CSCF 816 associated with theterminating CD 802. The P-CSCF 816 may then signal the CD 802 toestablish Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication services,thereby enabling the calling and called parties to engage in voiceand/or data communications. Based on the iFCs in the subscriber profile,one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various callterminating feature services, such as call forwarding, do not disturb,music tones, simultaneous ringing, sequential ringing, etc.

In some instances the aforementioned communication process issymmetrical. Accordingly, the terms “originating” and “terminating” inFIG. 8 may be interchangeable. It is further noted that communicationsystem 800 can be adapted to support video conferencing. In addition,communication system 800 can be adapted to provide the IMS CDs 801, 802with the multimedia and Internet services of communication system 700 ofFIG. 7.

If the terminating communication device is instead a PSTN CD such as CD803 or CD 805 (in instances where the cellular phone only supportscircuit-switched voice communications), the ENUM system 830 can respondwith an unsuccessful address resolution which can cause the originatingS-CSCF 806 to forward the call to the MGCF 820 via a Breakout GatewayControl Function (BGCF) 819. The MGCF 820 can then initiate the call tothe terminating PSTN CD over the PSTN network 860 to enable the callingand called parties to engage in voice and/or data communications.

It is further appreciated that the CDs of FIG. 8 can operate as wirelineor wireless devices. For example, the CDs of FIG. 8 can becommunicatively coupled to a cellular base station 821, a femtocell, aWiFi router, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) baseunit, or another suitable wireless access unit to establishcommunications with the IMS network 850 of FIG. 8. The cellular accessbase station 821 can operate according to common wireless accessprotocols such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, UMTS, WiMax, SDR, LTE, and so on.Other present and next generation wireless network technologies can beused by one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. Accordingly,multiple wireline and wireless communication technologies can be used bythe CDs of FIG. 8.

Cellular phones supporting LTE can support packet-switched voice andpacket-switched data communications and thus may operate asIMS-compliant mobile devices. In this embodiment, the cellular basestation 821 may communicate directly with the IMS network 850 as shownby the arrow connecting the cellular base station 821 and the P-CSCF816.

Alternative forms of a CSCF can operate in a device, system, component,or other form of centralized or distributed hardware and/or software.Indeed, a respective CSCF may be embodied as a respective CSCF systemhaving one or more computers or servers, either centralized ordistributed, where each computer or server may be configured to performor provide, in whole or in part, any method, step, or functionalitydescribed herein in accordance with a respective CSCF. Likewise, otherfunctions, servers and computers described herein, including but notlimited to, the HSS, the ENUM server, the BGCF, and the MGCF, can beembodied in a respective system having one or more computers or servers,either centralized or distributed, where each computer or server may beconfigured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step,or functionality described herein in accordance with a respectivefunction, server, or computer.

The combinatorial server 730 of FIG. 7 can be operably coupled tocommunication system 800 for purposes similar to those described above.Combinatorial server 730 can perform function 762 and thereby providecombinatorial services to the CDs 801, 802, 803 and 805 of FIG. 8similar to the functions described for server 130 of FIG. 1 inaccordance with method 600 of FIG. 6. CDs 801, 802, 803 and 805, whichcan be adapted with software to perform function 872 to utilize theservices of the combinatorial server 730 similar to the functionsdescribed for communication devices 106 and 116 of FIG. 1 in accordancewith method 600 of FIG. 6. The combinatorial server 730 can be anintegral part of the application server(s) 817 performing function 874,which can be substantially similar to function 764 and adapted to theoperations of the IMS network 850.

For illustration purposes only, the terms S-CSCF, P-CSCF, I-CSCF, and soon, can be server devices, but may be referred to in the subjectdisclosure without the word “server.” It is also understood that anyform of a CSCF server can operate in a device, system, component, orother form of centralized or distributed hardware and software. It isfurther noted that these terms and other terms such as DIAMETER commandsare terms can include features, methodologies, and/or fields that may bedescribed in whole or in part by standards bodies such as 3^(rd)Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). It is further noted that some orall embodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in partmodify, supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed standardspublished and promulgated by 3GPP.

FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal 902 of acommunication system 900. Communication system 900 can be overlaid oroperably coupled with system 100 of FIG. 1, communication system 700,and/or communication system 800 as another representative embodiment ofsystem 100 of FIG. 1, communication system 700, and/or communicationsystem 800. The web portal 902 can be used for managing services ofsystem 100 of FIG. 1 and communication systems 700-800. A web page ofthe web portal 902 can be accessed by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL)with an Internet browser using an Internet-capable communication devicesuch as those described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 7-8. The web portal 902 canbe configured, for example, to access a media processor 406 and servicesmanaged thereby such as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), a Video onDemand (VoD) catalog, an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG), or apersonal catalog (such as personal videos, pictures, audio recordings,etc.) stored at the media processor 406. The web portal 902 can also beused for provisioning IMS services described earlier, provisioningInternet services, provisioning cellular phone services, and so on.

The web portal 902 can further be utilized to manage and provisionsoftware applications 762-766, and 872-874 to adapt these applicationsas may be desired by subscribers and/or service providers of system 100of FIG. 1, and communication systems 700-800. For instance, users of theservices provided by server 130 or server 730 can log into their on-lineaccounts and provision the servers 130 or server 730 with user profiles,provide contact information to server to enable it to communication withdevices described in FIGS. 1-5E, and so on. Service providers can logonto an administrator account to provision, monitor and/or maintain thesystems 100 of FIG. 1 or server 730.

FIG. 10 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device1000. Communication device 1000 can serve in whole or in part as anillustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in FIG. 1, and FIGS.4A-5F and can be configured to perform portions of method 100 of FIG. 1.

Communication device 1000 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 1002 (herein transceiver 1002), a user interface (UI) 1004,a power supply 1014, a location receiver 1016, a motion sensor 1018, anorientation sensor 1020, and a controller 1006 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 1002 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1×, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 1002 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 1004 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 1008with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse,or a navigation disk for manipulating operations of the communicationdevice 1000. The keypad 1008 can be an integral part of a housingassembly of the communication device 1000 or an independent deviceoperably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USBcable) or a wireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. Thekeypad 1008 can represent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones,and/or a QWERTY keypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 1004 can furtherinclude a display 1010 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid CrystalDisplay), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable displaytechnology for conveying images to an end user of the communicationdevice 1000. In an embodiment where the display 1010 is touch-sensitive,a portion or all of the keypad 1008 can be presented by way of thedisplay 1010 with navigation features.

The display 1010 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 1000 can be adapted to present a user interfacewith graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The touch screen display 1010 can beequipped with capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technologyto detect how much surface area of a user's finger has been placed on aportion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can beused to control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functionsof the user interface. The display 1010 can be an integral part of thehousing assembly of the communication device 1000 or an independentdevice communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface(such as a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 1004 can also include an audio system 1012 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 1012 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 1012 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI1004 can further include an image sensor 1013 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 1014 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 1000 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable applications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 1016 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 1000 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor1018 can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 1000 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 1020 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device1000 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 1000 can use the transceiver 1002 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 1006 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 1000.

Other components not shown in FIG. 10 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 1000 can include a reset button (not shown). The reset button canbe used to reset the controller 1006 of the communication device 1000.In yet another embodiment, the communication device 1000 can alsoinclude a factory default setting button positioned, for example, belowa small hole in a housing assembly of the communication device 1000 toforce the communication device 1000 to re-establish factory settings. Inthis embodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen orpaper clip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default settingbutton. The communication device 1000 can also include a slot for addingor removing an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module(SIM) card. SIM cards can be used for identifying subscriber services,executing programs, storing subscriber data, and so forth.

The communication device 1000 as described herein can operate with moreor less of the circuit components shown in FIG. 10. These variantembodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

The communication device 1000 can be adapted to perform the functions ofthe media processor 106, the media devices 108, or the portablecommunication devices 116 of FIG. 1, the media processor 706, the mediadevices 708, or the portable communication devices 716 of FIG. 7, aswell as the IMS CDs 801-802 and PSTN CDs 803-805 of FIG. 8. It will beappreciated that the communication device 1000 can also represent otherdevices that can operate in systems of FIG. 1, communication systems700-800 of FIGS. 7-8 such as a gaming console and a media player. Inaddition, the controller 1006 can be adapted in various embodiments toperform the functions 762-766 and 872-874, respectively.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can bemodified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope of theclaims described below. Other embodiments can be used in the subjectdisclosure.

It should be understood that devices described in the exemplaryembodiments can be in communication with each other via various wirelessand/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can be links that aredescribed as coupled, connected and so forth, which can includeunidirectional and/or bidirectional communication over wireless pathsand/or wired paths that utilize one or more of various protocols ormethodologies, where the coupling and/or connection can be direct (e.g.,no intervening processing device) and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediaryprocessing device such as a router).

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 1100 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethods described above. One or more instances of the machine canoperate, for example, as the combinatorial server 130, the mediaprocessor 106, and the mobile communication device 116 and other devicesof FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g.,using a network 1126) to other machines. In a networked deployment, themachine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machinein a server-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in apeer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, adesktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a communication device of the subject disclosureincludes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video ordata communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, theterm “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machinesthat individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

The computer system 1100 may include a processor (or controller) 1102(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit(GPU, or both), a main memory 1104 and a static memory 1106, whichcommunicate with each other via a bus 1108. The computer system 1100 mayfurther include a display unit 1110 (e.g., a liquid crystal display(LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display). The computer system 1100may include an input device 1112 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 1114 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 1116, a signal generationdevice 1118 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interfacedevice 1120. In distributed environments, the embodiments described inthe subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units1110 controlled by two or more computer systems 1100. In thisconfiguration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may inpart be shown in a first of the display units 1110, while the remainingportion is presented in a second of the display units 1110.

The disk drive unit 1116 may include a tangible computer-readablestorage medium 1122 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions(e.g., software 1124) embodying any one or more of the methods orfunctions described herein, including those methods illustrated above.The instructions 1124 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 1104, the static memory 1106, and/or within theprocessor 1102 during execution thereof by the computer system 1100. Themain memory 1104 and the processor 1102 also may constitute tangiblecomputer-readable storage media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Application specific integrated circuits andprogrammable logic array can use downloadable instructions for executingstate machines and/or circuit configurations to implement embodiments ofthe subject disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus andsystems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronicand computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two ormore specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with relatedcontrol and data signals communicated between and through the modules,or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, theexample system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure, theoperations or methods described herein are intended for operation assoftware programs or instructions running on or executed by a computerprocessor or other computing device, and which may include other formsof instructions manifested as a state machine implemented with logiccomponents in an application specific integrated circuit or fieldprogrammable gate array. Furthermore, software implementations (e.g.,software programs, instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to,distributed processing or component/object distributed processing,parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also beconstructed to implement the methods described herein. Distributedprocessing environments can include multiple processors in a singlemachine, single processors in multiple machines, and/or multipleprocessors in multiple machines. It is further noted that a computingdevice such as a processor, a controller, a state machine or othersuitable device for executing instructions to perform operations ormethods may perform such operations directly or indirectly by way of oneor more intermediate devices directed by the computing device.

While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 1122 is shown in anexample embodiment to be a single medium, the term “tangiblecomputer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a singlemedium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database,and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets ofinstructions. The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shallalso be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is capable ofstoring or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machineand that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods ofthe subject disclosure. The term “non-transitory” as in a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage includes without limitation memories, drives,devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.

The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall accordinglybe taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such asa memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only(non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable(volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a diskor tape, or other tangible media which can be used to store information.Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more ofa tangible computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein andincluding art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are from time-to-timesuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Wireless standards for device detection (e.g.,RFID), short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth®, WiFi, Zigbee®), andlong-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used bycomputer system 1100. In one or more embodiments, information regardinguse of services can be generated including services being accessed,media consumption history, user preferences, and so forth. Thisinformation can be obtained by various methods including user input,detecting types of communications (e.g., video content vs. audiocontent), analysis of content streams, and so forth. The generating,obtaining and/or monitoring of this information can be responsive to anauthorization provided by the user. In one or more embodiments, ananalysis of data can be subject to authorization from user(s) associatedwith the data, such as an opt-in, an opt-out, acknowledgementrequirements, notifications, selective authorization based on types ofdata, and so forth.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Theexemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or stepsfrom multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derivedtherefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figuresare also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certainproportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

Less than all of the steps or functions described with respect to theexemplary processes or methods can also be performed in one or more ofthe exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of numerical terms todescribe a device, component, step or function, such as first, second,third, and so forth, is not intended to describe an order or functionunless expressly stated so. The use of the terms first, second, thirdand so forth, is generally to distinguish between devices, components,steps or functions unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, oneor more devices or components described with respect to the exemplaryembodiments can facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating(e.g., facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection)can include less than every step needed to perform the function or caninclude all of the steps needed to perform the function.

In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a controlleror circuit) has been described that performs various functions. Itshould be understood that the processor can be multiple processors,which can include distributed processors or parallel processors in asingle machine or multiple machines. The processor can be used insupporting a virtual processing environment. The virtual processingenvironment may support one or more virtual machines representingcomputers, servers, or other computing devices. In such virtualmachines, components such as microprocessors and storage devices may bevirtualized or logically represented. The processor can include a statemachine, application specific integrated circuit, and/or programmablegate array including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when aprocessor executes instructions to perform “operations”, this caninclude the processor performing the operations directly and/orfacilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device or componentto perform the operations.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can beseen that various features are grouped together in a single embodimentfor the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method ofdisclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that theclaimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited ineach claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subjectmatter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimedsubject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A non-transitory machine-readable medium,comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processingsystem including a processor, facilitate performance of operations,comprising: selecting a solution set of devices from a set of candidatedevices to provide a service to a communication device via a virtualdevice by comparing, using a device-capability matrix, capabilities ofeach device of the set of candidate devices with a set of requiredfunctions of the virtual device capable to provide the service, whereina vector of the device-capability matrix represents the set of requiredfunctions, wherein the communication device is connected to a network;assigning selected capabilities of each device in the solution set ofdevices to perform the required functions of the virtual device, whereinin accordance with a plurality of devices of the solution set of deviceshaving capability to perform a function of the set of requiredfunctions, the assigning is performed based on an assignment policyincluding criteria associated with that function; generating a virtualfinite state machine for controlling the required functions of thevirtual device via the selected capabilities of each device of thesolution set of devices, wherein each device in the solution set ofdevices comprises a finite state machine, wherein execution of thevirtual finite state machine by a controller device causes thecontroller device to send a message to each finite state machine ofrespective devices of the solution set of devices to control theperformance of the required functions of the virtual device via theselected capabilities of each device of the solution set of devices,wherein at a beginning of a startup sequence of the virtual device, eachfinite state machine of the respective devices of the solution set ofdevices is in a known initial state; and generating software data andconfiguration data for the solution set of devices to enable the virtualfinite state machine to control execution of the required functions bythe solution set of devices, wherein execution of the software dataaccording to the configuration data causes non-controller devices of thesolution set of devices to perform the selected capabilities accordingto signals from the controller device.
 2. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the operations furthercomprise determining the capabilities of each device of the set ofcandidate devices connected to the network.
 3. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the operations furthercomprise transmitting the virtual finite state machine to the controllerdevice of the solution set of devices.
 4. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the operations furthercomprise transmitting the software data and the configuration data tothe non-controller devices of the solution set of devices.
 5. Thenon-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 1, wherein theoperations further comprise: determining whether a second device of theset of candidate devices fails to satisfy a constraint characteristicassociated with a quality of the service; and eliminating the seconddevice of the set of candidate devices prior to selecting the solutionset of devices from the set of candidate devices responsive to thedetermining that the second device fails to satisfy the constraintcharacteristic.
 6. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim1, wherein at least one of the set of candidate devices comprises apreviously-constructed virtual device corresponding to a known solutionset.
 7. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 1, whereinthe operations further comprise: receiving a request for the servicefrom the communication device; and determining that the communicationdevice is not capable of providing the service.
 8. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the controller devicedetermines that the service is completed, and wherein the controllerdevice transmits a message to the non-controller devices of the solutionset of devices to command the non-controller devices to be released fromthe virtual device responsive to determining that the service iscompleted.
 9. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 1,wherein the operations further comprise detecting a plurality of devicesconnected to the network to identify the set of candidate devices. 10.The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 9, wherein thedetecting the plurality of devices connected to the network to identifythe set of candidate devices further comprises searching the network forthe plurality of devices via a search protocol, receiving signals fromthe plurality of devices to detect the plurality of devices, identifyingregistration of the plurality of devices to the network, or anycombination thereof.
 11. The non-transitory machine-readable medium ofclaim 1, wherein the selecting the solution set of devices is furtheraccording to a selection policy including criteria applied to thesolution set of devices to reduce network distances, minimize devicecount, minimize service cost, maximize total capabilities, maximize dataspeeds, target preferred locations, or any combination thereof.
 12. Thenon-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the criteriaof the assignment policy are applied to assignments of the selectedcapabilities to the required functions of the virtual device to maximizeservice performance, minimize service cost, enhance user interaction, orany combination thereof.
 13. The non-transitory machine-readable mediumof claim 1, wherein the controller device of the solution set of devicespresents a user interface to control the service of the virtual device.14. A system comprising: a controller device, the controller devicecomprising: a processing system including a processor; and a memory thatstores executable instructions that, when executed by the processingsystem, facilitate performance of operations, comprising: receiving,from a server, a virtual finite state machine for controlling requiredfunctions of a virtual device for providing a service to a communicationdevice connected to a network via selected capabilities of each deviceof a solution set of devices, wherein the solution set of devices isselected in a selecting procedure by the server from a set of candidatedevices connected to the network by comparing, using a device-capabilitymatrix, capabilities of each device of the set of candidate devices witha set of required functions of the virtual device, wherein a vector ofthe device-capability matrix represents the set of required functions,wherein the selected capabilities of each device in the solution set ofdevices are assigned in an assignment procedure to perform the requiredfunctions of the virtual device, wherein in accordance with a pluralityof devices of the solution set of devices having capability to perform afunction of the set of required functions, the assignment procedure isperformed based on an assignment policy including criteria associatedwith that function; and executing the virtual finite state machine togenerate control signals for facilitating performance of the requiredfunctions of the virtual device via the selected capabilities of eachdevice of the solution set of devices, wherein each device of thesolution set of devices comprises a finite state machine, wherein thecontrol signals are sent to the finite state machines of respectivedevices of the solution set of devices to control the performance of therequired functions of the virtual device, wherein at a beginning of astartup sequence of the virtual device each finite state machine of therespective devices of the solution set of devices is in a known initialstate, wherein software data and configuration data provisioned by theserver facilitates performances of the selected capabilities bynon-controller devices of the solution set of device according to thecontrol signals.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the operationsfurther comprise: determining whether the service is completed, andresponsive to the determining the service is completed, transmitting amessage to the non-controller devices of the solution set of devices todirect the non-controller devices to be released from the virtualdevice.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the operations furthercomprise presenting a user interface to control providing the service tothe communication device via the virtual device.
 17. The system of claim14, wherein at least one of the set of candidate devices comprises apreviously-constructed virtual device corresponding to a known solutionset.
 18. The system of claim 14, wherein a second device of the set ofcandidate devices is eliminated, by the server, from the set ofcandidate devices based on failing to satisfy a constraintcharacteristic associated with a quality of the service.
 19. A method,comprising: selecting, by a processing system including a processor, asolution set of devices from a set of candidate devices to provide aservice to a communication device via a virtual device by comparing,using a device-capability matrix, capabilities of each device of the setof candidate devices with a set of required functions of the virtualdevice capable to provide the service, wherein a vector of thedevice-capability matrix represents the set of required functions;assigning, by the processing system, selected capabilities of eachdevice in the solution set of devices to perform the required functionsof the virtual device, wherein in accordance with a plurality of devicesin the solution set of devices having capability to perform a functionof the set of required functions of the virtual device, the assigning isperformed based on an assignment policy including criteria associatedwith that function; generating, by the processing system, a virtualfinite state machine for controlling the required functions of thevirtual device via the selected capabilities of each device of thesolution set of devices, wherein each device in the solution set ofdevices comprises a finite state machine, wherein execution of thevirtual finite state machine by a controller device causes thecontroller device to send a message to each finite state machine ofrespective devices of the solution set of devices to control theperformance of the required functions of the virtual device via theselected capabilities of each device of the solution set of devices,wherein at a beginning of a startup sequence of the virtual device, eachfinite state machine of the respective devices of the solution set ofdevices is in a known initial state; and generating, by the processingsystem, software data and configuration data for the solution set ofdevices to enable the virtual finite state machine to control executionof the required functions by the solution set of devices.
 20. The methodof claim 19, wherein execution of the software data according to theconfiguration data causes non-controller devices of the solution set ofdevices to perform the selected capabilities according to signals fromthe controller device.